Jackson Fans to Get Refund—or Tickets

'Wiseguys' accused of using hackers to corner market on concert tickets

(NEWSER) - Four men who formed a company called "Wiseguy Tickets" have been charged with running a massive ticket-scalping scheme. Federal prosecutors say the Californians employed a team of Bulgarian computer programmers to help them access the systems of vendors like Ticketmaster and corner the market on tickets for some of the country's hottest concerts and sporting events, CNET reports. More»

Michael Jackson was in surprisingly good shape in dazzling footage

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson didn't live long enough to take the final bow he had planned in London, but critics agree This Is It is a fitting swan song, proof that the King of Pop really did have a comeback in him:

• "This Is It is quite extraordinary. If there was any doubt that Michael was in control of the shows or his decisions, those fears are allayed here," writes Roger Friedman for the Hollywood Reporter. "It is truly amazing, considering the last 16 years of total lunacy, to see him so capable."

(AP) - A judge has approved a deal that will bring more Michael Jackson merchandise to store shelves. The judge heard from attorneys for Jackson's mother, Katherine, the current administrators of Jackson's estate and a newly appointed attorney for the singer's three young children. The merchandise agreement allows for items such as trading cards, clothing and digital goodies to be sold. More»

(NEWSER) - The promoter for Michael Jackson's never-to-be comeback concerts and the late singer's estate are seeking $50 million from Hollywood studios for the rights to distribute a film about the King of Pop's final days that will include concert rehearsal videos, reports the Wall Street Journal. AEG Live, which made the videos, lost millions from the aborted concerts the company spent $30 million staging. Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox are currently the leading bidders, reports the New York Times. More»

(NEWSER) - Hundreds of fans are camped out in the front of the O2 arena in London where Michael Jackson was to begin his 50-concert stand today, the BBC reports. “I want to feel a bit closer,” said one of the approximately 600 fans. “We’ve been reminiscing and sharing memories with everyone. When more people arrive there will be quite a party atmosphere.” More»